Day one: Miami

On Sunday, after flying all night from Seattle, Don and I took a cab to the hotel that Frank and Heather had reserved. Frank travels a lot for business so they were able to get these fabulous 2-room suites as award reservations. So we got to the hotel at 8:30, and even though check-in time wasn't until 4:00, they kindly gave us a room right away! So Don and I took a lovely nap while Frank and Heather drove down from Sarasota, where they were visiting Frank's cousin.

When they arrived, we launched into a rousing game of Shoot the Moon, a trick and trump-based domino game that they taught us a couple of years ago. We took a drive over to WalMart and all bought shade hats, some pop for the cruise, and some incidentals that we had forgotten to pack.

That night we drove to Benihana's for dinner. It was a lovely restaurant overlooking the water and we had a great time. After dinner we found a beach and took a little walk, getting our feet wet in warm ocean water, a small taste of what was to come!

Benihana's. Delicious as usual!

Frank and Heather on the beach.

Us on the beach.

Self portrait : )

The navigator. See the GPS?

The pilot. Heather and I got to sit in the back and fool around like small children. We couldn't help it...we were giddy with anticipation of what was to come : )